Nikolay Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Nikolay is a name of Greek origin, meaning 'victory of the people'. It has evolved through various languages, including Greek and Latin, and is commonly used in Eastern Europe. The name is associated with traits of kindness and generosity, particularly due to its biblical connection to Saint Nicholas. It gained popularity from the 18th century onwards and is still well-regarded today.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Nikolay"
Pronunciation
/ˈnɪkəlaɪ/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Nikolay is derived from the Greek name Nikolaos, which is composed of the elements 'nikē' meaning 'victory' and 'laos' meaning 'people'.
Meaning
Victory of the people
Language Evolution
Nikolaos (Greek), Nikolaus (Latin), Nicholas (English), Nikolay (Russian)
Biblical Background
The name is associated with Saint Nicholas, a 4th-century bishop known for his generosity and became the inspiration for Santa Claus.
Historical Usage
Nikolay gained popularity in Eastern Europe, particularly in Russia, from the 18th century onwards, often used as a name for nobility and clergy.
Variants & Derivatives
Nicholas, Nikolai, Niko, Nick
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Nikolay is a well-regarded name in Slavic countries, often associated with kindness and generosity due to its historical connections.
Famous People
Nikolay Gogol - a famous Russian writer, Nikolay Davydenko - a professional tennis player, Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov - a prominent Russian composer
📊 Nikolay Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Nikolay Name Visualizations
✨ Nikolay Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 32 peak births in 2010
Geographic Spread
Popular across 4 US states, with strongest presence in Washington
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 3 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Nikolay" - Complete Guide (7 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Nikolay". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 7 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Nikolay" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Nikolay"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Nikolay"
"Nikolay" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 11609th of 16616 | 21 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 5178th of 24088 | 248 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5081st of 23106 | 223 |
Regional Popularity of "Nikolay" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
49.69% 3708th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
66.11% 4510th/6822 |
62.16% 3901st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Nikolay" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Nikolay"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Nikolay" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Nikolay" in the United States
The name Nikolay is most popular in Washington, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Nikolay has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Nikolay' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 11609th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 5178th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5081st out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Nikolay' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.